Research Fellow - (Photo)electrochemical Catalysis

Location: Wallumattagal Campus, Macquarie University

Advance photoelectrochemical catalysis for sunlight-driven green fuels — from catalyst design to working prototype.

· Salary package: $112,741 per annum (Level A.6, PhD awarded rate) plus 17% superannuation and annual leave loading · Full-time, fixed term 12-month appointment · Macquarie University, Wallumattagal Campus, North Ryde

We are seeking a highly motivated Research Fellow to join an interdisciplinary research group at Macquarie University focused on green hydrogen, electrocatalysis and sunlight-driven photoelectrochemical fuel production.

The group has established an advanced research platform for electrochemical and photoelectrochemical energy conversion, including electrochemical workstations, a solar simulator, an Incident Photon-to-Current Efficiency (IPCE) measurement system and a customised roll-to-roll magnetron sputtering facility. Researchers also have access to advanced characterisation capabilities and external synchrotron and photovoltaic facilities through national and industry collaborators.

Current research directions include AI- and data-driven discovery of multielement catalysts, amorphous catalyst structure–activity relationships, water and seawater electrolysis, and integrated solar-to-fuel systems.

The Role Working closely with Dr Doudou Zhang, Professor Vladimir Strezov and a growing network of national, international and industry collaborators, the Research Fellow will develop next-generation catalysts and integrated devices for renewable-fuel production.

This position is particularly suited to an emerging researcher seeking to build a strong independent research profile through high-quality publications, new research concepts, competitive grant applications, HDR supervision, and industry and international collaboration.

Key responsibilities include:

Design, synthesise and optimise electrocatalysts and photoelectrochemical materials for hydrogen and sustainable fuel production.

Conduct electrochemical and photoelectrochemical measurements, including CV, LSV, EIS, stability testing, product analysis and solar-to-fuel/device performance evaluation.

Fabricate and optimise catalyst electrodes and devices, with opportunities to use scalable roll-to-roll magnetron sputtering fabrication.

Undertake advanced materials characterisation and collaborate with national and international partners on specialised in-situ/operando and synchrotron characterisation.

Analyse and interpret experimental data, establish composition–structure–property relationships, and contribute to mechanistic understanding of catalytic processes.

Prepare high-quality journal publications, technical reports and conference presentations, and communicate research outcomes to academic and industry partners.

Contribute to competitive research grant applications and the development of new collaborative research projects.

Support and co-supervise HDR and undergraduate research students, providing guidance on experimental design, laboratory practice, data analysis and scientific writing.

Work collaboratively across multidisciplinary teams and contribute to the safe and effective operation of laboratory facilities.

Engage with external research institutions and industry partners and contribute to the translation and scale-up of promising renewable-energy technologies.

About Us

The Faculty of Science and Engineering is a young and dynamic faculty driven by the spirit of discovery. Here we nurture the next generation of science and technology innovators. From a handful of students on the University’s first day, the faculty now serves over 8,000 students across all our courses.

Within the faculty, the School of Engineering brings together researchers and educators across electronics, mechanical and mechatronic, civil, software and sustainable energy engineering. Our work is applied and outward facing, with active partnerships across industry, government and the research sector, and access to well-equipped fabrication, electrochemistry and materials characterisation facilities. This role sits within our energy and materials research activity, alongside colleagues working on renewable energy systems, advanced materials and device engineering, and contributes to government-funded programs including those coordinated through ARENA. You will be part of a research community that values careful experimental work, open exchange of ideas and research that reaches beyond the university.

About you (Selection Criteria)

A PhD in Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, Electrochemistry, photovoltaic or a closely related discipline.

Demonstrated research experience in one or more relevant areas, including electrocatalysis, photoelectrochemistry, water electrolysis, green hydrogen, solar fuels, or electrochemical energy conversion.

Strong hands-on experimental skills in electrochemical and/or photoelectrochemical characterisation, including techniques such as CV, LSV, EIS, Tafel analysis, stability testing, IPCE, and solar-simulator measurements.

Experience in the synthesis and optimisation of catalysts, functional materials, electrodes, or photoelectrodes, with the ability to independently design and conduct experiments.

Experience with relevant materials characterisation techniques, such as XRD, SEM/TEM, XPS, Raman, spectroscopy, or related methods, and the ability to interpret structure–property–performance relationships.

Demonstrated ability to analyse complex experimental data, troubleshoot research problems, maintain high-quality research records, and work independently while contributing effectively within a multidisciplinary team.

A strong research track record relative to opportunity, demonstrated through peer-reviewed publications, conference presentations, or other relevant research outputs.

Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to prepare high-quality manuscripts, technical reports